Failing to stop after a collision involving another person, vehicle, or animal, with knowledge of the accident. The criminal counterpart to the HTA's Fail to Remain — escalates when injury or death is involved. Only the base offence at s.320.16(1) is within paralegal scope, on a summary election.
Section 320.16 of the Criminal Code prohibits a person involved in an accident with another conveyance, person, or animal from failing to stop and provide their name, address, and licence information, or fleeing the scene with knowledge of the accident.
Hybrid. On summary election: up to 2 years less a day. On indictment: up to 10 years. Where the accident caused bodily harm the maximum rises to 14 years on indictment; where it caused death the offence is indictable only and carries up to life. A driving prohibition is available at the court's discretion. Criminal record on conviction.
If Crown elects summary, within paralegal scope. If indictable election is made (common for injury cases), we refer to a barrister. Disclosure focuses on the accused's knowledge of the accident.
St. Catharines criminal matters are heard at the St. Catharines courthouse on Church Street. Provincial offences from across Niagara Region, St. Catharines included, are heard at the Niagara Region POA court in Welland.
59 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7N8
(905) 988-6200
North Niagara criminal matters. South Niagara matters are heard at the Welland courthouse on East Main Street.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.
